Himalayan Yoga Academy

Education & research Foundation

What is Body, Energy & Mind ?

Common questions arise within us, Who AM I ?, What AM I? What is Real Me ?…… These questions surely do come into our minds, questioning our existence. So Am I this Body? Am I This Mind? Or Am I this Breath/Energy? …..These questions are clearly explained here…What is Body, Energy, & Mind? Here we explain What is your body, What is your mind, and What is Energy.

To realize oneself, one should really understand their body, energy, and mind, then one can go into the deeper abyss of self, where self is formed, where I, Me, my (ahamkara) arises. Self is the illusionary vision of the true self (consciousness). So-called life is not real, real / truth is silence which is inside of us…So let’s dive into the understanding of self…

BODY

The body is a proper and perfect system. There are two types of body Visible and Invisible.

A. Visible Body

  1. Physical Body- The Structure, Anatomy, and Material.
    1. Bioplasmic Body- That defines the visibility. Aliveness. like the happy face, sad face, movements, etc.

B. Invisible body

  1. Energy Body- Power and strength, that supports Body movement, vital- force.
  2. Mind Body- The thoughts, desires, awareness, command, realization, mental- force, etc.
  3. Psychic Body– The emotions, and feelings (energy body plus mind body). It is related to chakras.
  4. Astral Body- The spirit Body (Jeevaatma). It includes all energy, mind, and psychic body and has all psychic centers. Rebirth happens from here after death. (Limited)
  5. Soul Body- The consciousness, Self, Truth, Self-realized state. Aliveness. (Jeevanta Aatma). (Limitless)
  6. Cosmic Body- Body connected to cosmos. blissful state. Causal body (Cause of Seed) realization. (Param Anand Brahma Bodh). Reincarnation happens from here.
  7. Nirvana Body- Liberation; beyond birth and death.

ENERGY

Everything that exists in the world is energy. It is based on matters. In mythology Shakti is bhairavi and Shiva complements it to manifest. Trishakti refers to Bhav(Feelings, Emotion), Bal(Power and strength)and Chetana (Consciousness).

There are two types of energy.

  1. Anitya: External, Kinetic (creates a magnetic field and affects others to related eternal energy)
  2. Nitya: Eternal, Potential (silence, recognition, awaken, activated and self-identified)

Kinetic is active energy and is external whereas Potential is passive and eternal. The quality of energy remains in the chakras. The individual kinetic and potential energy of all 7 chakras merge to make a circuit in the body. The merging of these chakras opens the door of nothingness above the crown chakra. It is a place of nothingness, wholeness, and liberation. (Mukta, prashanta, purna shanta)

MIND

Mind is a state. There are two types of mind. Outer mind and inner mind.

A. Outer Mind (Bahir Man) :

The outer mind is a working mind and is active.

  1. Conscious Mind-(Chetan Man): The alert part where cerebral cortex vibration level is 8 Hz to 14 Hz Alpha Level. The body does activities by this mind (Note: State of Mental problem: Neurosis and Psychosis are 12 Hz to 40 Hz and 40 Hz to 100 Hz)
  2. Sub-conscious mind-(Avachetan Man): Frequency range: 4 Hz to 8 Hz. Semi-active
  3. Unconscious mind-(Achetan Man):. Frequency range: 0 Hz to 4 Hz and fully passive.

After the unconscious mind is realized the inner mind opens up. Awaken from the state of sleep (un-consciousness).

B, Inner Mind (Antar Man): Turiya (Realizing Mind)

  • Superconscious Mind – aware and awakening of senses, emptiness (impermanent realization)
  • Supra conscious Mind—Nothingness, self-realization (permanent realization)
  • Supreme Conscious Mind—Total-Nothingness, cosmic realization (permanent realization)
  • Cosmic Conscious Mind–Complete-Nothingness, Wholeness, surrender, Nirvana, (permanent realization)

During sound healing training or singing bowl training in Nepal with Himalayan Yoga Academy, We will explore how different therapies impact your body, energy, and mind. We will completely teach you methods of purifying these layers of life. We will also guide you through different therapies for different purpose related to the Body, Energy, and Mind.

What is Gong Bath Therapy

What is Gong Bath Therapy? Gong sound healing has been practiced for thousands of years, with its history dating back to ancient cultures. The gong is an instrument made from brass or bronze, producing a wide range of frequencies, tones, and harmonies.

What people often don’t know: As far as different sounds are concerned; they are distinct and different. But gong is generally underestimated. When people think of the sound of a gong, they usually only think of a small sound. But the sound and frequency of a gong depends largely on where you place the hammer and which gong hammer you use. The shape, form, and type of gong also play a role in its sound. We want to show you what gong sounds and gong sounds are available, what is possible, and how gong music can improve your daily life.

What is Gongs?

The gong is a round disc made of copper and tin, and when struck with a hammer it produces a loud sound, which sounds very pleasing to the ear in this world. Gongs have been used throughout history for a variety of purposes, including meditation, rituals, spiritual development, and even funeral ceremonies. Different gongs come in different sizes and shapes, and each has its unique sound.

The History of Gongs

Gongs have originated in Tibet since the 6th century AD and have spread to countries such as China, Vietnam, Burma, and Indonesia. These regions were known to produce some of the finest gongs of the ancient world. Making gongs was not easy as it required extraordinary skill and craftsmanship. In ancient China, only certain clans could make gongs, and the best ones were made of copper. The process is very unique and consists of five stages: casting, hammering, softening, refining, and grinding. All these steps were very important for this to produce a good and clear sound.

What is a Gong Bath?

Gong Bath is a form of meditative healing practice in which participants lie or sit comfortably while surrounded by the vibrations of gongs, singing bowls, bells, cymbals, and many other musical instruments. The goal is to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and healing through the power of sound. Gong bathing began as a spiritual and religious ritual but has now become a popular form of group therapy and one-on-one sound healing. These sessions often take place at yoga studios or state retreats and can be experienced in person, online, or by listening to a pre-recorded gong float on YouTube. Gong Bath Therapy offers the opportunity to escape the distractions of daily life and connect with the inner world through the power of sound.

How Does Gong Healing Work?

During this sound bath, participants sit or recline close to the gong and other sound-healing instruments played by the therapist. The sound waves generated by the gongs and other instruments interact with the body, causing physical and mental relaxation and helping to restore balance and harmony in the mind, body, and spirit. Studies have shown that the frequencies produced by the gong can slow down the mind and bring it into a deeper, slower state of vibration. This can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and promote overall well-being.

What is Gong Bath Therapy

Benefits of Gong Healing Therapy

1) REJUVENATES THE BODY ENERGY & MIND

Gong bath deeply stimulates the body and creates a feeling of deep relaxation. When we are free and the chatter in our minds is quieted, we can sleep peacefully and undisturbed.

2) THEY BRING DOWN LEVEL OF STRESS 

Stress is not good for us, it’s that simple. Although it is not possible to eliminate stress, we can take steps to reduce it. The deep sense of relaxation that a sound bath can create makes our body and mind feel less stressed. Stress is linked to many diseases, including high blood pressure, dementia, headaches, and heart disease. The more we can do to reduce stress in our lives, the healthier we will be.

3) TACKLES OBESITY

Stress causes the release of more cortisol hormones in our bodies. These specific hormones increase fat stored in the abdominal area. Excess belly fat appears to be more damaging to our health than fat stored in the thighs and legs. Therefore, stress can be associated with obesity, a condition that causes excessive stress on the body. Obesity can also lead to life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

4) REDUCES ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Such baths can reduce stress and anxiety and increase blood pressure. This helps lower blood pressure and improve our overall mood. When we feel calm and happy, our mood improves, stress decreases, and we can sleep better. Poor sleep is a major cause of feelings of anxiety and depression.

5) BALANCES THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The soothing sounds and vibrations provided by the gong bath and the relaxing state it puts us in help activate the parasympathetic system. This also makes the system more sensitive to the back seat. Simply put, the parasympathetic system dominates the calm ‘rest and digest’ zone, while the sympathetic system initiates ‘fight or flight’ in stressful situations.

More Benefits of Gong Bath

  • Relax and reduce stress 
  • Eliminate energy blockages
  • Reduce pain caused by inflammation
  • Improve sleep quality, mental health, emotional health, and spiritual well-being.

Preparing For A Gong Sound Healing Session

When preparing for a healing gong sound session, it is important to consider the following factors to ensure the best experience:

  • Choose a song that resonates with you and produces a rich, resonant sound.
  • Choose an environment that is comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions.
  • Maintain an even and unobstructed distance.

Tips for creating a comfortable and relaxing ambiance:

  • Wear comfortable clothing, such as loose-fitting clothes or yoga clothes.
  • Eat well and avoid large meals before the session.
  • Set a schedule for your daily activities so you can rest in between.
  • Set a learning goal, focus on your personal goals and aid recovery.
  • Bring warm layers, socks, and towels to keep you comfortable during class.

Guidance on Appropriate Setup and Attire:

  • Lie down on a comfortable surface such as a yoga mat or towel.
  • Use a pillow or extra pillow under your knees and a pillow or blanket under your head for support.
  • Consider using an eye pillow or towel to protect and rest your eyes.
  • If you have difficulty lying down, inform the practitioner, bring an extra pillow, or ask for a chair.

References :

  1. https://www.thesoundartist.com/blog/impact-of-gong-sounds-in-healing-practices
  2. https://www.ollihess.de/en/blogs/blog/gongs-everything-about-sound-frequencies-and-sounds
  3. Himalayan Yoga Team